4. Starting with the title, keep track of what kind of expectations the author seems to be creating.

Antagonist

The counterforce or opponent who provides conflict in the play or story, controlling or attempting to complicate the life of the central character, or protagonist.

The counterforce or opponent who provides conflict in the play or story, confronting or attempting to complicate the life of the central character.

Antagonist

Climax

The culmination of events in the story, novel or play. The highest point of interest or intensity. The point at which the events make an important and irrevocable change.

The culmination of events in the story, novel, or play.

Climax

The highest point of interest or intensity.

Climax

The point at which the events make an important and irrevocable change.

Climax

Conflict

The central tension and point of suspense in a literary work.

The central tension and point of suspense in a literary work.

Conflict

Denouement

The final revelations or developments that occur afteror because of the events of the climax or central conflict.

The final revelations or developments that occur after or because of the events of the climax or central conflict.

Denouement

Epiphany

A moment of sudden realization or understanding in which the true meaning of certain events is revealed.

A moment of realization or understanding in which the true meaning of certain events is revealed.

Epiphany

Exposition

That part of a play, story, or novel in which the author establishes setting, situations, and often central characters and themes.

That part of a play, story, or novel in which the author establishes setting, situations, and often central characters and themes.

Exposition

Falling action

This kind of action is usually composed of the characters' immediate reactions and responses to the climatic events of a story. The characters have not yet resolved their conflicts, but the events are heading toward a conclusion.

This kind of action is usually composed of the characters' immediate reactions and responses to the climatic events of a story.

Falling action

Foreshadowing

A prediction within the text. This is often a hint toward some event or situation that will develop later in the story.

A prediction within the text.

Foreshadowing

This is often a hint toward some event or situation that will develop later in the story.

Foreshadowing

Protagonist

The central character in a piece of drama or fiction. The protagonist is the hero, the main character in "contest" or "conflict" with his or her situation or another character (the antagonist).

The central character in a piece of drama or fiction.

Protagonist

The hero, the main character in "contest" or "conflict" with his or her situation or another character.

Protagonist

Rising action

Refers to the increasing conflict or struggle within a story, the culmination of which will result in the climax. This is also the means by which the suspense in a story is established.

Refers to the increasing conflict or struggle within a story, the culmination of which will result in the climax.

Rising action

This is the means by which the suspense in a story is established.

Rising action

Subplot

A second plot, usually one that involves minor characters. This plot is subordinate to the main plot but often affects or is resolved by certain events that occur in the primary plot.

A second plot, usually one that involves minor characters.

Subplot

Turning point

The point in a story where things change irrevocably for the characters.

The point in the story where things change irrevocably for the characters.

Turning point

Explain the difference between story and plot.

A story is a narrative of events in chronological order.

A plot is a narrative of events, but the emphasis is less on the order of events and more on their relationship to each other.

Fibe basic elements of plot.

Exposition

Rising action

Climax or crisis

Falling action

Denouement or conclusion

Dramatic irony

A form of irony in which the reader knows information that the characters in the story do not.

A form of irony in which the reader knows information that the characters in the story do not.

Dramatic irony

First-person point of view

One of the characters narrates the story knowing only that information he can observe based on his limited perspective. Uses the first-person pronoun "I" to refer to the narrator.

A type of point of view in which one of the characters narrates the story knowing only that information he can observe based on his limited perspective.

First-person point of view

This point of view uses the pronoun "I" to refer to the narrator.

First-person point of view.

Flashback

A reversion back to events that have previously taken place. This allows the writer to interrupt normal chronological order in his or her narrative.

A reversion back to events that have previously taken place.

Flashback

Omniscient

"All-knowing" or able to see everything at once. Usually used in reference to an omniscient narrative voice.

"All-knowing" or able to see everything at once.

Omniscient

Reflector character

A character that does not know he is a character and who is unaware of the narrator.

A character that does not know he is a character and who is unaware of the narrator.

Reflector character

Second-person point of view

Considerably more rare than first or third person. To identify this point of view, look for the subjective pronoun "you," where "you" is the subject or primary character of the piece.

Point of view using the subjective pronoun "you," where "you" is the subject or primary character of the piece.

Second-person point of view

Stream of consciousness

A narrative technique that attempts to simulate the complete flow of character's thoughts. In this form of writing, ideas, thoughts, memories, dreams, sensory impressions, and conversations may combine or intermingle without clear transition or conventions.

A narrative technique that attempts to simulate the complete flow of a character's thoughts.

Stream of consciousness

In this form of writing, ideas, thoughts, memories, dreams, sensory impressions, and conversations may combine or intermingle without clear transition or conventions.

Stream of consciousness

Third-person limited point of view

The writer focuses on the actions and thoughts of only some of the characters. To identify this point of view, look for third-person pronouns like "he" or "she" or proper names in reference to the narrator.

In this type of point of view, the writer focuses on the actions and thoughts of only some of the characters.

Third-person limited point of view

To identify this point of view, look for pronouns like "he" or "she" or proper names in reference to the narrator.

Third-person limited point of view

Third-person omniscient point of view

The writer uses an "all-seeing" or "all-knowing" narrator who is aware of all of the private thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of each character.

The writer uses an "all-seeing" or "all-knowing" narrator who is aware of all of the private thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of each character.

Third-person omniscient point of view

Third-person objective point of view

The writer will act as an impartial observer, providing very little comment on the events of the story or behavior of the characters.

The writer will act as an impartial observer, providing very little comment on the event of the story or behavior of the characters.

Third-person objective point of view

Allegory

A work in which related symbols work together to produce a moral lesson or indication of progress.

A work in which related symbols work together to produce a moral lesson or indication of progress.

Allegory

Archetype

A recurrent image that emerges from deep-seated associations that are anchored in universal patterns or structures of experience.

A recurrent image that emerges from deep-seated associations that are anchored in universal patterns or structures of experience.

Archetype

Caricature

Term used to describe characters who are comically distorted by the exaggeration of key traits that make them seem ridiculous or worthy of parody.

Term used to describe characters who are comically distorted by the exaggeration of key traits that make them seem ridiculous or worthy of parody.

Caricature

Characterization

The way in which an author represents or portrays a character for the reader.

The way in which an author presents or portrays a character for the reader.

Characterization

Connotation

Any association or attitude that is embedded in a word's meaning or is brought to mind by the mention of a word or phrase.

Any association or attitude that is embedded in a word's meaning or is brought to mind by the mention of a word or phrase.

Connotation

Denotation

The literal definition of a word, devoid of contextual or emotional issues or connotations.

The literal definition of a word, devoid of contextual or emotional issues or connotations.

Denotation

Dialect

Regional variations in the speech of a common language.

Regional variations in the speech of a common language.

Dialect

Flat character

A character who is easily descibable or represented with a one-track personality, or one who is representative of a stereotype.

A character who is easily describable or represented with a one-track personality, or one who is representative of a stereotype.

Flat character

Round character

A character that is more developed or complicated that a flat character, exhibiting a range of responses, emotions, and loyalties.

A character that is more developed than a flat character, exhibiting a range of responses, emotions, and loyalties.

Round character

Satire

The use of humor, wit, and ridicule to criticize, attack, or hold up for scorn. Often, satires are meant to expose some folly in human behavior for the purposes of social change, reform, or awareness.

The use of humor, wit, and ridicule to criticize, attack, or hold up for scorn.

Satire

Often meant to expose some folly in human behavior for the purposes of social change, reform, or awareness.

Satire

Mood

The overriding, dominant emotional quality present in a literary work, created by the author's description of theme, setting, and/or character.

The overriding, dominant emotional quality present in a literary work, created by the author's description of theme, setting, and/or character.

Mood

Four elements that make up the setting of a story.

Geographical location

Characters' occupations and daily manner of living

Time or period in which the action takes place

General environment of the characters

Contextual symbol

A symbol whose meaning is derived from certain events within the text.

A symbol whose meaning is derived from certain events within the text.

Contextual symbol

Public symbol

A symbol that refers to objects, actions, or persons that history, religion, myth, or legend has infused with meaning.

A symbol that refers to objects, actions, or persons that history, religion, myth, or legend has infused with meaning.

Public symbol

Allusion

Reference to something outside a story that suggests a thematic connection between the story and a concept, association, or memory that has acquired some significance for the reader.

Reference to something outside a story that suggests a thematic connection between the story and a concept, association, or memory that has acquired some significance for the reader.

Allusion

Theme

The central and unifying idea about human experience that grows out of all the other elements in a story.

The central and unifying idea about human experience that grows out of all the other elements in a story.

Theme

Diction

The writer's choice or use of words.

The writer's choice or use of words.

Diction

Style

The way the author expresses or presents his subject matter. Style is created through diction, syntax, figurative language, dialogue, and all of the choices an author makes.

The way the author expresses or presents his or her subject matter.

Style

Syntax

Word order

Elegy

Often, a poem on the occasion of the death of a particular person. More broadly, a poem on the subject ofdeath or human frailty and mortality.

Often, a poem on the occasion of the death of a particular person.

Elegy

More broadly, a poem on the subject of death or human frailty and mortality.

Elegy

Imagery

Figurative language that refers or makes reference to physical sensations--usually sight and touch. By appealing to the senses in this way, images illustrate concepts, things, or processes.

Figurative language that refers or makes reference to physical sensations.

Imagery

Persona

The assumed identity the writer presents when speaking to the reader.

The assumed identity the writer presents when speaking to the reader.

Persona

Formal structure of a poem.

The way the poem goes together in terms of its component parts.

The way the poem goes together in terms of its component parts.

Formal structure

Thematic structure of a poem

The way the argument or presentation of the material of the poem is developed.

The way the argument or presentation of the material of the poem is developed.

Thematic structure

Abstract laguage

Language that refers to concepts, ideas, qualities, or "abstracts" rather than particular people, places, or things. Might refer to that which cannot be experienced by the five senses. Love, pride, and bravery are all abstract terms, whereas rock, man, and car are all concrete and more specific terms.

Language that refers to concepts, ideas, qualities, or "abstracts" rather than particular people, places, or things.

Abstract language

Might refer to that which cannot be experienced by the five senses.

Abstract language

Love, pride, and bravery are all _ terms.

abstract

Concrete language

Language that employs vivid, graphic images that appeal to the senses, as opposed to abstract language.

Language that employs vivid, graphic images that appeal to the senses.

Concrete language

Rock, man, and car are all _ and more specific terms.

concrete

Figurative image

A type of image in which an image is represented in terms of another image or thing; involves a turn on the literal meaning of the word.

A type of image in which an image is represented in terms of another image or thing.

Figurative image

Literal image

A type of image that calls up a sensory representation of the object it describes; does not require change to the obvious meaning of the words that make up the image.

A type of image that calls up a sensory representation of the object it describes.

Literal image

Understatement

A highly ironic figure of speech that attempts to represent something as being less important than it is.

A highly ironic figure of speech that attempts to represent something as being less important than it is.

Understatement

Analogy

A comparison that uses a known thing or idea to explain something vague or unfamiliar.

A comparison that uses a known thing or idea to explain something vague or unfamiliar.

Analogy

Conceit

An extended metaphor or comparison.

An extended metaphor or comparison.

Conceit

Hyperbole

Figurative language that includes overstatement or exaggeration.

Figurative language that includes overstatement or exaggeration.

Hyperbole

Metaphor

A figure of speech containing two elements in which one element is provided with certain attributes or characteristics by being equated with the second, different element. Or, put simply, something described as though it were something else, as in "Life is a bowl of cherries."

A figure of speech containing two elements in which one element is provided with certain attributes or characteristics by being equated with the second.

Metaphor

Something described as though it were something else, as in "Life is a bowl of cherries."

Metaphor

Oxymoron

Literally means "acutely silly." A figure of speech where contradictory ideas are combined to create a paradoxical phrase or statement. For example, thunderous silence, manic grace, or wise fool.

Literally means "acutely silly."

Oxymoron

A figure of speech where contradictory ideas are combined to create a paradoxical phrase or statement.

Oxymoron

Thunderous silence, manic grace, or wise fool are examples of _.

oxymorons

Simile

An imaginative figure of speech that shows comparison by using the words like, as, or as if. Unlike the implied relationship and comparison suggested by a metaphor, the simile is a more direct statement that something is like something else. The Robert Burns line "My love is like a red, red rose" is a simile.

An imaginative figure of speech that shows comparison by using the words like, as, or as if.

Simile

Unlike the implied relationship and comparison suggested by a metaphor, the _ is a more direct statement that something is like something else.

simile

The Robert Burns line "My love is like a red, red rose" is a _.

simile

Alliteration

The repetition of similar consonant sounds, usually occurring at the beginning of consecutive words.

The repetition of similar consonant sounds, usually occurring at the beginning of consecutive words.

Alliteration

Anapest

A metrical foot of three syllables. This foot will consist of two unaccented syllables followed by an accented syllable, as in the word jamboree.

A metrical foot of three syllables.

Anapest

This metrical foot will consist of two unaccented syllables followed by an accented syllable, as in the word jamboree.

Anapest

Assonance

The repitition of vowel sounds within a line, sentence, or stanza. Assonance may be internal (for example, an "a" sound in the middle of consecutive words), or it may occur toward the end of lines to prompt a rhyme.

The repetition of vowel sounds within a line, sentence, or stanza.

Assonance

Ballad

A narrative poem that focuses on an event or episode and that is usually told without authorial comment.

A narrative poem that focuses on an event or episode and that is usually told without authorial comment.

Ballad

The form of the ballad consists of _.

four quatrains of alternating four- and three- stress iambic lines.

The second and fourth lines of a ballad will _.

rhyme

Typically, ballads will also use a refrain, where _.

the last lines of each stanza are nearly identical.

Blank verse

Lines of unrhymed iambic pentameter.

Lines of unrhymed iambic pentameter.

Blank verse

Caesura

A strong pause or break within a line of verse. From the Latin for "cutting off."

A strong pause or break within a line of verse.

Caesura

Couplet

Two rhymed lines of verse. Couplets may occur as a part of a stanza or may be self-contained and set away from the rest of the text. In this case, the two rhymed lines would be referred to as a "closed couplet."

Two rhymed lines of verse.

Couplet

Dactyl

A metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables, as in syllable, carousel, and admiral.

A metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables, as in syllable, carousel, and admiral.

Dactyl

Dimeter

A line of poetry consisting of two metrical feet.

A line of poetry consisting of two metrical feet.

Dimeter

End rhyme

A true rhyme, which sounds much like an echo of similar sounds. For example, the rhyming of tense and defense or pure and cure.

A true rhyme, which sounds much like an echo of similar sounds.

End rhyme

End-stopped

A line of verse that ends with a period, colon, or semicolon.

A line of verse that ends with a period, colon, or semicolon.

End-stopped

Enjambment

When one line in a poem runs on into another without pause or punctuation.

When one line in a poem runs on into another without pause or punctuation.

Enjambment

Eye rhyme

A type of rhyme in which words appear to rhyme though their pronunciation is different, as in move and love or break and speak.

A type of rhyme in which words appear to rhyme though their pronunciation is different, as in move and love or break and speak.

Eye rhyme

Feminine rhyme

Two-syllable rhymes in which the last syllables are unstressed, such as flying and crying.

Two-syllable rhymes in which the last syllables are unstressed, such as flying and crying.

Feminine rhyme

Foot

The smallest unit of verse in a poem; usually composed of one stressed and one or more unstressed syllables. Some different kinds of metric feet include anapest, iamb, dactyl, trochee, and spondee.

The smallest unit of verse in a poem.

Foot

Free verse

Poetry that is open in form, free of a patterned meter and rhyme. A form that allows for a less rigid structure and possesses its own pattern and rhythm.

Poetry that is open in form, free of a patterned meter and rhyme.

Free verse

A form that llows for a less rigid structure and possesses its own pattern and rhythm.

Free verse

Heroic couplet

Lines of iambic pentameter that rhyme aa, bb, cc, and so forth. Often these couplets are closed or end-stopped.

Lines of iambic pentameter that rhyme aa, bb, cc, and so forth.

Heroic couplet

Heptameter

A line of verse composed of seven metrical feet.

A line of verse composed of seven metrical feet.

Heptameter

Hexameter

A line of verse composed of six metrical feet.

A line of verse composed of six metrical feet.

Hexameter

Iamb

A metrical foot consisting of one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, as in the word today or defer.

A metrical foot consisting of one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, as in the word today or defer.

Iamb

Internal rhyme

Two or more words in a line of poetry that rhyme within the line itself rather than at the end of lines.

Two or more words in a line of poetry that rhyme within the line itself rather than at the end of lines.

Internal rhyme

Masculine rhyme

A rhyme in which the last syllables are stressed, as in dog and fog.

A rhyme in which the last syllables are stressed, as in dog and fog.

Masculine rhyme

Meter

Recurring patterns of syllables in lines of verse. These syllables may be either stressed or unstressed, and there are four basic accented patterns.

Recurring patterns of syllables in lines of verse.

Meter

Near rhyme

A type of rhyme in which words almost, but not exactly, rhyme, as in close and lose. Also sometimes referred to as slant rhyme or approximate rhyme.

A type of rhyme in which words almost, but not exactly, rhyme, as in close and lose.

Near rhyme

Also sometimes referred to as slant rhyme.

Near rhyme

Also sometimes referred to as approximate rhyme.

Near rhyme

Nonameter

A line of verse composed of nine metrical feet.

A line of verse composed of nine metrical feet.

Nonameter

Octameter

A line of verse composed of eight metrical feet.

A line of verse composed of eight metrical feet.

Octameter

Off rhyme

Where words of marginal structural relationship aer made to function as a rhyme. Often, the rhyme will be approximate since the syllables in the words meant to rhyme will not match completely. For example, the rhyming of the words pearl and alcohol.

Where words of marginal structural relationship are made to function as a rhyme.

Off rhyme

Often, the rhyme will be approximate since the syllables in the words meant to rhyme will not match completely.

Off rhyme

Pentameter

A line of verse composed of five metrical feet.

A line of verse composed of five metrical feet.

Pentameter

Poetic line

A unit of poetry consisting of words and phrases that are printed on one line of a page.

A unit of poetry consisting of words and phrases that are printed on one line of a page.

Poetic line

Quatrain

A set of four lines, like the two sets of four lines that form the opening of a Petrarchan sonnet.

A set of four lines, like the two sets of four lines that form the opening of a Petrarchan sonnet.

Quatrain

Rhyme

Words with repetitions of the final stressed vowel sounds and any sounds following (cat and rat, debate and relate) are said to rhyme.

Words with repetitions of the final stressed vowel sounds and any sounds following (cat and rat, debate and relate) are said to _.

rhyme

Rhyme scheme

The pattern of rhyme that exists in a particular poem or the pattern that is required by a form of poetry, such as the sonnet.

The pattern of rhyme that exists in a particular poem.

Rhyme scheme

The pattern that is required by a form of poetry, such as the sonnet.

Rhyme scheme

Rhythm

The quality created by the relationship between stressed and unstressed syllables. A regular pattern of alternation between stressed and unstressed syllables produces meter.

The quality created by the relationship between stressed and unstressed syllables.

Rhythm

A regular pattern of alternation between stressed and unstressed syllables produces meter.

Rhyme

Scansion

A system of reading, charting, or identifying the underlying beat or meter of a poetic work.

A system of reading, charting, or identifying the underlying beat or meter of poetic work.

Scansion

Shakespearean sonnet

The Shakespearean, or English, sonnet is arranged as three quatrains and a couplet with the typical rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg.

Sonnet arranged as three quatrains and a couplet with the typical rhyme of abab cdcd efef gg.

Shakespearean sonnet

Sonnet

A crafted fourteen-line poem in iambic pentameter. There are many different types of sonnets (Petrarchan, Shakespearean, English, etc.).

A crafted fourteen-line poem in iambic meter.

Sonnet

Spondee

A type of metrical foot with two consecutive stress syllables, as in the words baseball, moonshine, and daylight.

Stanza

A group of lines in a poem that have either a structural, topical, or metrical relationship; often they will possess a certain metrical and rhyme scheme that will be repeated or varied in later stanza of the poem.

A group of lines in a poem that have either a structural, topical, or metrical relationship.

Stanza

Stanza break

A break between stanzas, or sections, of a poem.

A break between stanzas, or sections, of a poem.

Stanza break

Stress

Accent or emphasis that makes one syllable stand out more from others in a word or phrase.

Accent or emphasis that makes one syllable stand out more from the others in a word or phrase.

Stress

Tetrameter

A line of verse composed of four metrical feet.

A line of verse composed of four metrical feet.

Tetrameter

Trimeter

A line of verse composed of three metrical feet.

A line of verse composed of three metrical feet.

Trimeter

Triple rhyme

Three-syllable rhymes with the stress placed on the first syllable, as in beautiful and dutiful.

Three-syllable rhymes with the stress placed on the first syllable, as in beautiful or dutiful.

Triple rhyme

Triplet

A sequence of three rhymed lines of verse.

A sequence of three rhymed lines of verse.

Triplet

Trochee

A metrical foot coonsisting of a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable, as in the words master or movie.

Verse

A term often used interchangeably with poetry, but which also referst to a stanza of a poem.

A term often used interchangeably with poetry, but which also refers to a stanza of a poem.

Verse

Versification

Verse that is alive with variations and pauses, exceptionally regular lines may help maintain the underlying beat.

Verse that is alive with variations and pauses, exceptionally regular lines may help maintain the underlying beat.

Versification

Meter

The combined product of the chosen kind of foot multiplied by the number of feet per line.

The combined product of the chosen kind of foot multiplied by the number of feet per line.

Meter

Ballad stanza/ballad meter

Short narrative poem, typically using a four-line stanza that rhymes the second and fourth lines.

Short narrative poem, typically using a four-line stanza that rhymes the second and fourth lines.

Ballad stanza/ballad meter

Dramatic monologue

A poem in which the speaker addresses another person (in the poem) in the form of monologue. Often allow the speaker to gradually reveal facets of his personality throughout the narrative.

Dramatic monologues are dramatic because _.

they have one speaker who is speaking at a particular time and place.

A poem in which the speaker addresses another person (in the poem) in the form of a monologue.

Dramatic monologue

These poems often allow the speaker to gradually reveal facets of his personality throughout the narrative.

Dramatic monologue

Elizabethan sonnet

Another name for the Shakepearean sonnet.

Another name for the Shakespearean sonnet.

Elizabethan sonnet or English sonnet

English sonnet

Another name for the Shakespearean sonnet.

Italian sonnet

Another name for the Petrarchan sonnet.

Another name for the Petrarchan sonnet.

Italian sonnet

Octave

A stanza consisting of eight lines. Often, this will be the opening eight lines of an Italian sonnet and is followed by a sestet that concludes the poem. The octave will often be rhymed abbabba.

A stanza consisting of eight lines.

Octave

Often, this will be the opening eight lines of an Italian sonnet and is followed by a sestet that concludes the poem.

Octave

Often rhymed abbaabba.

Octave

Ode

Finely crafted poem reserved for solemn, important subjects that the writer wishes to pay homage to. These subjectsmay be people or places and occasionally things.

Finely crafted poem reserved for solemn, important subjects that the writer wishes to pay homage to.

Ode

Petrarchan sonnet

Also referred to as an Italian sonnet. The Petrarchan sonnet begins with an eight line segment or octave with a rhyme scheme abbaabba followed by a sestet of cdcdee or cdecde. The lines in the octace will often raise a question or address a problem that will then be answered in the sestet.

Also referred to as an Italian sonnet.

Petrarchan sonnet

Begins with an eight line segment or octave with a rhyme scheme abbaabba followed by a sestet of cdcdee or cdecde.

Petrarchan sonnet

The lines in the octave will often raise a question or address a problem that will then be answered in the sestet.

Petrarchan sonnet

Refrain

A group of lines, usually at the end of a stanza in a folk song, ballad, or poem that echoes, or repeats, at intervals in the poem.

A group of lines, usually at the end of a stanza in a folk song, ballad, or poem that echoes, or repeats, at intervals in the poem.

Refrain

Sestet

A stanza consisting of six lines.

A stanza consisting of six lines.

Sestet

Shakespearean sonnet

Also called the English or Elizabethan sonnet. This sonnet is arranged as three quatrains and a couplet. The typical rhyme scheme is abab cdcd efef gg.

This sonnet is arranged as three quatrains and a couplet.

Shakespearean sonnet

This sonnet's typical rhyme scheme is abab cdcd efef gg.

Shakespearean sonnet.

Tercet

A set of three lines or a stanza consisting of three lines.

A set of three lines or a stanza consisting of three lines.

Tercet

Consonance

A repetition of similar sounds (typically consonant sounds) at the ends of words. For example, purse and curse, horse and purse, or turn and burn.

A repetition of similar sounds (typically consonant sounds) at the ends of words.

Consonance

Onomatopoeia

In a poem, the use of words whose sounds seem to correspond to and effect their meanings, like pop, buzz, hiss, or stream.

In a poem, the use of words whose sounds seem to correspond to and reflect their meanings, like pop, buzz, hiss, or stream.

Onomatopoeia

Personification

To attribute human qualities to nonhuman things such as animals, certain aspects of nature, abstractions, or ideas.

To attribute human qualities to nonhuman things such as animals, certain aspects of nature, abstractions, or ideas.

Personification

Alliterating words are those that _.

share beginning sounds, such as "so sweet" or "the only old owner."

Words that share beginning sounds, such as "so sweet" or "the only old owner":

Alliterating

Aside

When more than one character is onstage, these lines of dialogue are spoken by one character and are only meant to be heard by members of the audience.

When more than one character is onstage, these lines of dialogue are spoken by one character and are only meant to be heard by members of the audience.

Aside

Central conflict

The main conflict that drives a play's momentum. May be either internal or external.

The main conflict that drives a play's momentum.

Central conflict

Complication

Another term for rising action.

Another term for rising action.

Complication

Dialectic

The playing off of differing points of view.

The playing off of differing points of view.

Dialectic

Dramatic irony

When the audience of a literary work is aware of situations, actions, and/or word meanings that one or more characters are not aware of. In other words, the audience is "in on" something the character is not.

When the audience of a literary work is aware of situations, actions, and/or word meanings that one or more characters are not aware of.

Dramatic irony

The audience is "in on" something the character is not.

Dramatic irony

Monologue

A long, uninterrupted speech by a character. Presented with other characters present.

A long, uninterrupted speech by a character, presented with other characters present.

Monologue

Reversal

A reversal or sudden turn in the fortunes of a character. Also called peripety.

A sudden turn in the fortunes of a character.

Reversal.

Also called peripety.

Reversal

Soliloquy

A speech in which a single character reveals his feelings and inner conflict. Occurs when the character is alone onstage, not addressing any other characters directly.

A speech in which a single character reveals his feelings and inner conflict. Occurs when the character is alone onstage, not addressing any other characters directly.

Soliloquy

Subplot

Event or events within a play that are secondary to the play's primary driving action and ploty. Typically, the subplot will involve a relationship between two characters that provides a parallel or contrast to the relationship between protagonist and antagonist.

Event of events within a play that are secondary to the play's primary driving action and plot.

Subplot

Involves a relationship between two characters that provides a parallel or contrast to the relationship between protagonist and antagonist.

Peripety. Point at which the complication or climax culminates in the resolution of the plot.

Catharsis

The circumstances or situations within a play that allows the audience to identify with the hero or to assume that character's experience for a short time.

The circumstances or situations within a play that allows the audience to identify with the hero or to assume that character's experience for a short time.

Catharsis

Chorus

In ancient Greece, the chorus was a group of masked dancers who would change lyric hymns at religious festivals. In later Greek plays such as those of Sophocles, the chorus would change odes that would separate the episodes in the play. These odes would serve both as a comment on the action within the play as well as a representation of the audience's reaction to the play itself.

In ancient Greece, a group of masked dancers who would chant lyric hymns at religious festivals.

Chorus

In later Greek plays, a group would chant odes that would separate the episodes in the play.

Chorus

Comedy

In a dramatic production, comedy usually represents situations that are designed to amuse as well as instruct, delight, and entertain. Often, comedies will present ordinary characters confronting their human condition, whereas tragedies tend to focus on the heroic or the ideal.

In a dramatic production, usually presents situations that are designed to amuse as well as instruct, delight, and entertain.

Comedy

Present ordinary characters confronting their human condition.

Comedy

Deus ex machina

From the Latin meaning "god from a machine." In ancient Greek theater, a mechanical contraption would allow the character playing the god to be lowered onto the stage.

From the Latin meaning "god from a machine."

Deus ex machina

In ancient Greek theater, a mechanical contraption would allow the character playing the god to be lowered onto the stage.

Deus ex machina

Farce

An exaggerated form of comedy that derives much of its humor from slapsitck humor, crude jokes, pratfalls, hilariously inept characters, and rambunctious behavior.

An exaggerated form of comedy that derives much of its humor from slapstick humor, crude jokes, pratfalls, hilariously inept characters, and rambunctious behavior.

Farce

Hubris

From the Greek meaning "insolence" or "outrage." Best defined as the overreaching pride of humans that inevitably leads to their downfall. In Greek theater, hubris would make human beings forget their limitations and shortcomings and challenge the gods.

From the Greek meaning "insolence" or "outrage."

Hubris

The overreaching pride of humans that inevitably leads to their downfall.

Hubris

In Greek theater, makes human beings forget their limitations and shortcomings and challenge the gods.

Hubris

Paean

In Greek theater, a hymn of praise, often sung in honor of the god Apollo. Now, the term is applied more broadly to any lyric that celebrates its subject.

In Greek theater, a hymn of praise, often sung in honor of the god Apollo.

Paean

The term is applied more broadly to any lyric that celebrates its subject.

Paean

Pathos

From the Greek for "suffering" and "passion." Refers to a quality in literature or art that arouses pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow.

From the Greek for "suffering" and "passion."

Pathos

Refers to a quality in literature or art that arouses pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow.

Pathos

Tragedy

Along with comedy, this is one of the two dramatic genres as defined in Greek theater. A tragedy will commonly recount the story of the fall of a hero or person who occupies a high position at the beginning of the play, as in the fall of a king or prince. Typically, tragedies are identified by their common features: the tortured protagonist's journey toward self-knowledge or awareness; the fateful, often irrevocable choices he makes; and often, a high body count at the end of the play.

Along with comedy, this is one of the two dramatic genres as defined in Greek literature.

Tragedy

Will commonly recount the story of the fall of a hero or person who occupies a high position at the beginning of the play, as in the fall of a king or prince.

Tragedy

Identified by their common features: the tortured protagonist's journey toward self-knowledge or awareness; the fateful, often irrevocable choices he makes; and often, a high body count at the end of the play.

Tragedy

Tragic flaw

Otherwise referred to as a "fatal flaw," or shortcoming, in a tragic hero. In his Poetics, Aristotle used the notion of the tragic flaw to provide explanation for the downfall of an otherwise admirable character. The flaw may manifest itself in a character as pride, anger, jealousy, uncertainty,etc.

Otherwise referred to as a "fatal flaw," or shortcoming, ina tragic hero.

Tragic flaw

In his Poetics, Aristotle used the notion to provide explanation for the downfall of an otherwise admirable character.

Tragic flaw

Shakespeare's Language

Special pronouns and matching verb forms for talking to one rather than several persons.

Word order (syntax): objects generally follow the complete verb.

Prithee (please), forsooth (in truth), anon (presently, very soon), wherefore (why), ere (before); Would used in the sense of with or want (Would it were true).

Acronym

A word formed from the first letter (or first few letters) of several words. Example: NATO for North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

A word formed from the first letter (or first few letters) of several words. Example: NATO for North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Acronym

Ambiguous reference

When a reference, generally a pronoun reference, is not clear; when a pronoun might refer to more than one possible antecedent. Example: Her mother asked her to carry her coat (Whose coat is being referred to--the mother's or the daughter's?)

When a reference, generally a pronoun reference is not clear; when a pronoun might refer to more than one possible antecedent.

Ambiguous reference

Antecedent

The noun or phrase to which a pronoun refers. Example: In the sentence, "Bob is third from the left, he is the one standing." Bob is the antecedent for he.

The noun or phrase to which a pronoun refers.

Antecedent

"Bob is third from the left, he is the one standing." Bob is the _ for he.

antecedent

Auxillary verb

A verb that helps form tenses, moods, or voices of other verbs; the most common auxillary verbs are have, be, may, must, do, shall, and will. Example: Have and been in "You must have been studying hard," help form the tense of studying.

A verb that helps form tenses, moods, or voices of other verbs.

Auxillary verb

Have, be, may, can, must, do, shal, and will are the most common _.

auxillary verbs

Cliche

An expression or idea that has become trite and overused. Example: Use this recipe, it's tried and true.

An expression or idea that has become trite and overused.

Cliche

Collective noun

A singular noun that denotes a collection of individual people, animals, or things. Example: a pride of lions.

A singular noun that denotes a collection of individual people, animals, or things.

Collective noun

Comma splice

When two independent clauses are written as one sentence and joined only by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

When two independent clauses are written as one sentence and joined only by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

Comma splice

Conjunction

A word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses. There are two kinds of conjunctions: coordinating and subordinating.

A word used to connect words, phrases or clauses.

Conjunction

There are two kinds of conjunctions:

Coordinating

Subordinating

Contraction

The shorteningof a word or phrase by the omission of one or more letters. Example: it's for it is.

The shortening of a word or phrase by the omission of one or more letters.

Contraction

Convention

A general agreement on the usage of language that is not quite as rigid as a rule would be. Example: It is not a rule, but it is a convention, that long-held principles or theories are written about using the present tense (e.g., Einstein's theory of relativity states that E=mc2).

A general agreement on the usageof language thatis not quite as rigid as a rule would be.

Convention

Coordinating conjunction

Joins two words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance or weight in a sentence. The most common coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, nor, for, and yet. Examples: (words) oranges and apples; (phrases) over the river and through the woods, neither a walk in the park nor a run in the rain; (clauses) I want to go out someplace fabulous for dinner, but I also want to lose weight.

Joins two words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance or weight in a sentence.

Coordinating conjunction

And, but, or, nor, for, and yet are the most common _.

coordinating conjunctions

Coordination

The linking of words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance in a sentence by using conjunctions or semicolons.

The linking of words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance in a sentenceby using conjunctions or semicolons.

Coordination

Fused sentence

When two or more independent clauses are written as one sentence with no punctuation or conjunction linking them. Fused sentences are idential to comma splices except they lack the comma. Example: Movies are increasingly sophisticated in their use of technology they have extraordinary complex special effects. (There should be a period after technology and a capital T on they.)

When two or more independent clauses are written as one sentence with no punctuation or conjunction linking them.

Fused sentence

Sentences that are identical to comma splices except they lack the comma.

Fused sentences

Gerund phrase

A verb-based noun ending in -ing. A gerund has all the uses of a noun (subject or object of a clause or phrase) but retains many characteristics of its verb base, such as the ability to take an object or an adverbial modifier. Example: Paying your bills on time is preferable to going into debt. (Paying functions as the subject of the sentence but takes an object as the verb to pay would; going functions as the object of the preposition to but has a modifying adverb phrase into debt.)

A verb-based noun ending in -ing.

Gerund phrase

Phrase that has all the uses of a noun (subject or object of a clause or phrase) but retains many characteristics of its verb base, such as the ability to take on object or an adverbial modifier.

Gerund phrase

Homonym

A word pronounced the same as another word but different meaning and, generally, in spelling. Example: Here and hear are homonyms.

A word pronounced the same as another word but different meaning and, generally, in spelling.

Homonym

Here and hear are _.

homonyms

Idiom

A construction or pattern of language contrary to the literal meaning of each word in the phrase. Example: He went the whole nine yards when he refurbished his house. (The meaning of the 'the whole nine yards' has nothing to do with ditance but rather with the thoroughness of completing the task.)

A construction or pattern of language contrary to the literal meaning of each word in the phrase.

Idiom

He went the whole nine yards when he refurbished his house is an example of _.

an idiom

Indefinite pronoun

Refer to nonspecific things or persons. The most common ones are anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, none, no one, somebody, someone, or something. They are considered singular in meaning even when they seem to imply plurality (everyone and everything) and therefore take singular verbs.

Pronouns that refer to nonspecific things or persons.

Indefinite pronouns

Indefinite pronounds are considered _ in meaning even when they seem to imply _ and therefore take _ verbs.

singular

pluarility

singluar

Independent clause

A phrase that contains both a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.

A phrase that contains both a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Independent clause

Jargon

The specialized vocabulary and idioms of people in the same profession or academic discipline. Jargon is generally regarded as inappropriate diction if the intended audience is more general than or different from people in the writer's same profession or discipline.

The specialized vocabulary and idioms of people in the same profession or academic discipline.

Jargon

Modifier

A word, phrase, or clause that limits or enhances the meaning of another word. If the modified word is a noun or a pronoun, the modifier is considered adjectival. If the modified word is a verb, verb form, or an adjective, the modifier is considered adverbial.

A word, phrase, or clause that limits or enhances the meaning of another word.

Modifier

If the modified word is a noun or a pronoun, the modifier is considered _.

adjectival

If the modified word is a verb, verb form, or an adjective, the modifier is considered _.

adverbial

Mood

The manner in which the verb indicates the writer's attitude toward the action or state expressed, such as stating a fact (indicative mood); exploring a possibility (subjunctive mood); giving a command (imperative mood); or asking a question (interrogative mood).

The manner in which the verb indicates the writer's attitude toward the action or state expressed.

Mood

Stating a fact is _ mood.

indicative

Exploring a possibility is _ mood.

subjunctive

Giving a command is _ mood.

imperative

Asking a question is _ mood.

interrogative

Nonrestrictive element

An element of a sentence--a clause, phrase, or word--that is considered nonessential to the meaning or sense of the sentence. It is usually set off from the rest of the sentence.

An element of a sentence--a clause, phrase, or word--that is considered nonessential to the meaning or sense of the sentence.

Nonrestrictive element

Parallelisim

A structural aspect of sentences wherein lists of three words, phrases, or clauses are structurally similar. Parallism is used for clarity, emphasis, rhythm, and aesthetic appeal.

A structural aspect of sentences wherein lists of three words, phrases, or clauses are structurally similar.

Parallelism

Used for clarity, emphasis, rhythm, and aesthetic appeal.

Parallelism

Relative pronoun

A pronoun that relates back to another word or phrase earlier in the sentence or in a previous sentence. The most common relative pronouns are which, that, who, and whom.

A pronoun that relates back to another word or phrase earlier in the sentence or in a previous sentence.

Relative pronoun

Restrictive element

A modifying word, phrase, or clause that restricts or delimits the word it modifies. Example: Most of the apples that are on the ground are worm-eaten. (The phrase that are on the ground restricts the apples that are worm-eaten to just those that are on the ground.)

A modifying word, phrase, or clause that restricts or delimits the word it modifies.

Restrictive element

Rhetorical context

The conditions of text creation, including the purpose or function of a written text and its intended audience.

The conditions of text creation, including the purpose or function of a written text and its intended audience.

Rhetorical context

Standard American English (SAE)

The name given to a set of language conventions generally agreed to constitute acceptable use of language in academic and business settings in America. While SAE is traditional in what it deems appropriate, its language conventions nonetheless change over time according to usage.

The name given to a set of language conventions generally agreed to constitute acceptable use of language in academic and business settings in America.

Standard American English (SAE)

Style

The distinctive and unique manner in which a writer arranges words to achieve particular effects. Style combines the idea to be expressed with the individuality of the author and includes individual word choices, sentence structures and length, tone, irony, and figurative language.

The distinctive and unique manner in which a writer arranges words to achieve particular effects.

Style

Combines the idea to be expressed with the individuality of the author and includes individual word choices, sentence structures and length, tone, irony, and figurative language.

Style

Subject complement

A word or noun phrase that completes the subject after a linking verb, the most common of which is the verb to be. Example: Anthony Hopkins is a brilliant actor. (Actor completes or complements the notion of Anthony Hopkins within the meaning of the sentence.)

A word or noun phrase that completes the subject after a linking verb, the most common of which is the verb to be.

Subject complement

Anthony Hopkins is a brilliant actor. Actor _ the notion of Anthony Hopkins within the meaning of the sentence.

completes or complements

Subordinate conjunction

Introduces a cluase that is dependent on or is modifying another clause in the sentence, including because, when, since, after, and whenever. Relative pronouns such as who, which, and that also function as subordinate conjunctions. Example: Reading is important to doing well on the exam because the more you read, the more familiar you become with written language usage. (Because introduces a subordinate clause that modifies, or explains, the main clause of the sentence.Words that introduce a subordinate clause are called a subordinate conjunctions.)

A conjunction that introduces a clause that is dependent on or is modifying another clause in the sentence, including because, when, since, after, and whenever.

Subordinate conjunction

Subordination

Use of a clause that modifies or explains the main clause in a sentence.

Use of a clause that modifies or explains the main clause in a sentence.

Subordination

Tense

The time of an action or a state of being, generally with reference to verbs and verb forms. The verb tenses most commonly used are present, past, and future. To express subtleties of time, each of the three major tenses can be expressed in simple form, imperfect form (ongoing action), perfort form (completed action), or conditional form (dependent on another action).

The time of an action or a state of being, generally with reference to verbs and verb forms.

Tense

Imperfect form of tense is _.

ongoing action

Ongoing action is _ form of tense.

imperfect

Perfect form of tense is _.

completed action

Completed action is the _ form of tense.

perfect

Conditional form of tense is _.

dependent on another action.

Form of tense that is dependent on another action is _.

conditional form

Tone

A manner of writing or speaking that indicates the writer's or speaker's attitude toward the subject. Because tone is indicated by words a writer or speaker chooses, tone and diction are closely related in writing and speaking.

A manner of writing or speaking that indicates the writer's or speaker's attitude toward the subject.

Tone

Because tone is indicated by the words a writer or speaker chooses, tone and _ are closely related in writing and speaking.

diction

Voice

Shows the relationship between the subject and verb of a sentence. If the subject performs the action, the voice of the verb is active. Example: He finished his homework. If the subject receives the action of the verb, the voice of the verb is passive. Example: His homework was finished by nine o'clock.

Shows the relationship between the subject and verb of a sentence.

Voice

If the subject performs the action, the voice of the verb is _.

active

The voice of the verb is active if the subject _.

performs the action

If the subject receives the action of the verb, the voice of the verb is _.

passive

The voice of the verb is passive if the subject _.

receives the action of the verb

Categories of the most common errors of college writers:

Spelling

Commas

Pronouns

Vocabulary (choosing the right word)

Problems with verbs

Problems with prepositions

Problems with apostrophes

Problems with sentences

Five elements of effective sentences

Paralleism

Consistency

Conciseness

Variety and emphasis

Coordination and subordination

Brain scanning

Making a "map" of one's brain.

Making a "map" of one's brain.

Brain scanning

Brainstorming

A prewriting technique that utilizes continuous and spontaneous writing.

A prewriting technique that utilizes continuous and spontaneous writing.

Brainstorming

Clustering

Drawing visual connections between words and ideas, with the connections centered around a common hub.

Drawing visual connections between words and ideas, with the connections centered around a common hub.

Clustering

Home showing

A technique in which the writer imagines the topic as a house and then gives a "tour" of that house to the reader.

A technique in which the writer imagines the topic as a house and then gives a "tour" of that house to the reader.

Home showing

Linking

Making connections between words and ideas.

Making connections between words and ideas.

Linking

Listing

The creation of a series of lists.

The creation of a series of lists.

Listing

Outlining

Summarizing a piece of writing or a plan of attack by breaking it down into headings and subheadings.

Summarizing a piece of writing or a plan of attack by breaking it down into headings and subheadings.

Outlining

Problem-solution gridding

Developing a branching list of problems and their possible solutions.

Developing a branching list of problems and their possible solutions.

Problem-solution gridding

Scratch outline

A list put into shape.

A list put into shape.

Scratch outline

Sentence outline

The most formal of the three types of outlines. Each item in the outline takes the form of a complete sentence, with one sentence devoted to each of the essay's paragraphs.

The most formal of the three outlines.

Sentence outline

Each item in the outline takes the form of a complete sentence, with one sentence devoted to each of the essay's paragraphs.

Sentence outline

Time lining

Creating a chronological list in order to see the scope of a project.

Creating a chronological list in order to see the scope of a project.

Time lining

Topic outline

A type of outline that arranges information according to numbered and lettered headings and subheadings.

A type of outline that arranges information according to numbered and lettered headings and subheadings.

Topic outline

Activity journal

A type of journal centered on one activity over a period of time, such as a director's journal.

A type of journal centered on one activity over a period of time.

Activity journal

Commonplace book

Often, a collection of quotations that appeal to the writer and the writer's responses to them.

Often, a collection of quotations that appeal to the writer and the writer's responses to them.

Commonplace book

Cubing

A drafting strategy that requires the writer look at the subject from six different perspectives: describing, comparing, associating, analyzing, apply, and arguing.

A drafting strategy that requires the writer look at the subject from six different perspectives.

Cubing

Dialoging

A strategy that involves the exchange of ideas between two people. In a self-dialogue, the writer challenges his or her own perspective, ideas, and beliefs through deliberate questioning of his or her own work.

A strategy that involves the exchange of ideas between two people.

Dialoging

Dream journal

A written record of one's dreams.

A written record of one's dreams.

Dream journal

Freewriting

A drafting strategy that involves writing freely, without stopping to censor or edit what has been written.

A drafting strategy that involves writing freely, without stopping to censor or edit what has been written.

Freewriting

Journaling

A writing strategy in which the writer keeps a regularly maintained written record.

A writing strategy in which the writer keeps a regularly maintained written record.

Journaling

Looping

A drafting strategy that builds on freewriting, requiring that the writer first stray away from the topic and then return to it in a cyclic process.

A drafting strategy that builds on freewriting, requiring that the writer first stray away from the topic and then return to it ina cyclic process.

Looping

Observation journal

A journal in which one records detailed sensory observations.

A journal in which one records detailed sensory observations.

Observation journal

Reading journal

A journal that records thoughts and responses to material read by the writer.

A journal that records thoughts and responses to material read by the writer.

Reading journal

Questioning

The process of posing questions as a means of exploring and investigating a topic.

The process of posing questions as a means of exploring and investigating a topic.

Questioning

Ad hominem argument

Latin for "to the man." Type of logical fallacy wherein the writer argues not about the issue at hand but rather about the personal characteristics of the person making statements about the issue.

Latin for "to the man."

Ad hominem

Type of logical fallacy wherein the writer argues not about the issue at hand but rather about the personal characteristics of the person making statements about the issue.

Ad hominem argument

Anecdote

A very short story used to provide an example or to illustrate an idea.

A very short story used to provide an example or to illustarte an idea.

Anecdote

Begging the question

Often called circular reasoning, is another type of logical fallacy. Most commonly in this flawed logical reasoning, the writer circles back to the beginning statement as the cause of the problem without having added any additional evidence.

Often called circular reasoning.

Begging the question

Most commonly in this flawed logical reasoning, the writer circles back to the beginning statement as the cause of the problem without having added an additional evidence.

Begging the question

Chronological

An organizational pattern based on the order of occurrence. Storytelling, or narrative, relies most heavily on chronological order. Summaries are also often based on the sentence of events. Chronological order can proceed either from the first event to the most recent event of from the most recent event back to the earliest event.

An organizational pattern based on the order of occurrence.

Chronological

Coherence

Clear connections between ideas, making explicit to the reader how ideas relate to each other.

Clear connections between ideas, making explicit to the reader how ideas relate to each other.

Coherence

Definition

An example of organizational development based on explaining the meanings of the terms under consideration.

An example of organizational development based on explaining the meanings of the terms under consideration.

Definition

Either-or reasoning

Also known as false dualism, either-or reasoning is another type of logical fallacy. It presents an issue as though there were only two alternatives and hense leads to oversimplification.

Also known as false dualism

Either-or reasoning

Presents an issue as though there were only two alternatives and hence leads to oversimplification.

Either-or reasoning

Fact

An assertion that can be verified through evidence, observation, research, or experiment.

An assertion that can be verified through evidence, observation, research, or experiment.

Fact

False analogy

While an analogy is an identification of suggestion of similarity between two things that are otherwise quite different, a false analogy uses this limited basis of similarity to suggest that the two items compared are similar in many more ways.

Hasty generalization

Drawing a conclusion from insufficient evidence; also referred to as jumping to conclusions.

Draing a conclusion from insufficient evidence.

Hasty generalization

Also referred to as jumping to conclusions.

Hasty generalization

Logical fallacies

A set of categories of lapses of logical reasoning in setting forth an argument. May seem at first to be logical and reasonable, but they are based on flawed, or fallacious (false), reasoning, Overgeneralizing is one of the most common logical fallacies. Example: when a news article suggests that all HMOs are bad because two or three terrible tragedies occured, particularly if there is no reference to how many similar tragedies occurred in the same time period in non-HMO medical events.

A set of categories of lapses of logical reasoning in setting forth an argument.

Logical fallacies

May seem at first to be logical and reasonable, but they are based on flawed, or fallacious (false), reasoning.

Logical fallacies

The most common logical fallacy:

Overgeneralizing

Narration

A type of organizational pattern based on telling a story to illuminate or explain an idea.

A type of organizational pattern based on telling a story to illuminate or explain an idea.

Narration

Non sequitur

Latin for "it does not follow." In this type of logical fallacy, the conclusion does not follow logically from the premises of earlier statements in the paragraph or argument.

Latin for "it does not follow."

Non sequitur

In this type of logical fallacy, the conclusion does not follow logically from the premises of earlier statements in the paragraph or arguement.

Non sequitur

Overgeneralization

When a general principle is applied too generally than appropriate to a broader population. Often signaled by words such as never or always or by implicit or explicit references to all people within a certain category.

When a general principle is applied too generally than appropriate to a broader population.

Overgeneralization

Often signaled by words such as never or always or by implicit or explicit references to all people within a certain category.

Overgeneralization

Oversimplification

When complex ideas are presented in a simple, dualistic way.

When complex ideas are presented in a simple, dualistic ways.

Oversimplification

Post hoc argument

Latin for "after this" and is an abbreviation of a longer Latin phrase, post hoc, ergo, prpter hoc, which means "after this, therefore because of this." This logical fallacy occurs when a writer assumes a cause-effect relationship when the relationship is actually just sequential or chronological.

Latin for "after this"

Post hoc

This logical fallacy occurs when a writer assumes a cause-effect relationship when the relationship is actually just sequential or chronological.

Post hoc

Transition

A word, phrase, sentence, or group of sentences that relates a succeeding sentence or thought with a preceding one.

A word, phrase, sentence, or group of sentences that relates a succeeding sentence or thought with a preceding one.

Transition

Differentiate between topic, thesis, focus, and main idea.

Topic: What you are writing about.

Thesis: Your assertion about the topic.

Focus: The explicit boundary that you place around the extent to which you will develop your thesis.

Main idea: May be almost identical to your thesis but extends the thesis somewhat with your own interpretation of the significance of the thesis.

Level of Generalization

Description or report: Info in the form it is observed.

Analysis: Info in component parts, shows the relationship between the component parts and the main idea.

Synthesis: Summarizes the analysis, presents a higher or deeper level of understanding of the main idea.

Evaluation: Judges the situation based on description, analysis, and synthesis.